Our Trip to Cologne: Tengo Takes on Orgatec 2024

At Orgatec, innovation was everywhere. Over 700 exhibitors from 40 different countries showcased their newest ideas, and we had the chance to explore how these could bring fresh inspiration into our projects on the island.

We’re always looking for solutions that are not only beautiful and functional but also practical in our sunny Mediterranean climate. With Cyprus in mind, we were especially drawn to pieces that would perform well outdoors, offering shade and comfort on terraces, restaurant gardens, or any open space where people love to gather and enjoy the views.

One of the most relevant themes we saw at Orgatec this year was the focus on hybrid workspaces, which allow people to alternate seamlessly between home and office. This model has created a demand for furniture that adapts to various needs - a concept that fits especially well with the relaxed, versatile lifestyle we embrace in Cyprus. Companies are creating flexible workstations and breakout spaces that work just as well in a modern office as they would on a hotel terrace or café patio. Modular tables, portable hot desks, and cozy lounge chairs caught our attention, all designed to let you move and work comfortably, no matter where you are.

This flexibility also inspired us to think about Cypriot spaces that serve both as workplaces and places to unwind. Imagine a setup that offers both quiet focus zones and relaxed social spaces, ideal for a lively hotel lobby or a beachside restaurant where people can work, meet, or just enjoy the ambiance. With such setups, a terrace or open patio can become a multi-functional hub - perfect for the Cypriot way of life.

Sustainability was a key theme, and we were thrilled to see so many companies taking it seriously. Recycled materials, energy-efficient processes, and eco-conscious choices were on full display, making it clear that the industry is embracing “green” design on a global scale. Some companies even built their entire Orgatec stands from recyclable materials.
We found these eco-friendly designs especially appealing for Cypriot patios, gardens, and indoor-outdoor spaces where natural materials fit right into the landscape. The latest color palettes - featuring cool greens, calming blues, and warm bronzes—would work beautifully in our hotel projects or spacious home terraces, creating a fresh, calming atmosphere that brings people closer to nature.

One of the most exciting finds was at the Framery booth, where we saw an innovation that we’ve been hoping for - a fully accessible acoustic booth designed for people with disabilities. This thoughtful product highlights inclusivity in the workplace and is a fantastic addition to modern office spaces.

At Tengo we place a high value on these types of advancements, which make workplaces more accommodating and welcoming to everyone. Framery’s inclusive booth not only enhances privacy but also promotes accessibility, allowing all employees to benefit from quiet, focused spaces.

With the rise of hybrid work, we also saw new furniture solutions that adapt to different work modes. Offices are increasingly being divided into spaces for individual work, team collaboration, and relaxation, with flexible furniture playing a major role. This means desks that can easily convert into larger workstations, soundproof pods for quiet work, and lounge-style chairs for creative brainstorming or unwinding.

In Cyprus, we’re excited about incorporating this idea into hotel lounges and terraces, as well as open-plan office spaces where functionality and flexibility are key. For example, we saw amazing sectional seating that can be configured in different ways depending on the activity - whether it's a team meeting, a private work session, or a social gathering. These versatile setups could fit perfectly into our projects, especially on larger terraces and other adaptable areas in Cypriot homes or workplaces.

Acoustics were another major focus at Orgatec, with companies showcasing solutions to manage sound and enhance comfort. Acoustic booths, panels, and even furniture with built-in soundproofing caught our attention, and we know they’ll be just as valuable in open spaces, where good sound control can make all the difference. Whether it’s a private booth in a hotel lobby or sound-dampening panels on a busy restaurant terrace, these solutions offer ways to create comfortable environments, even in the busiest areas.

Orgatec 2024 also gave us a chance to reconnect with some of our favorite brands, including Framery, Narbutas, Bejot, Noti, Cascando, and Flokk. Framery, as we mentioned, blew us away with their new inclusive acoustic booth. Narbutas impressed us with acoustic lamps and a great new chair collection that would add style and function to any interior.

Bejot’s latest collections are set to make waves, and we’re certain their Jelly sofa will be a hit once it hits the market. Noti caught our attention with beautiful recycled plastic tabletops, and Cascando wowed us with their high-quality whiteboards. And of course, Flokk showed us why they’re leaders in sustainable design, with brands like HAG and Profim under their umbrella.

As we returned from Orgatec, our heads were full of ideas, and we’re thrilled to bring these inspirations back to Cyprus. From innovative designs to sustainable choices, this year’s Orgatec experience has given us a fresh perspective on creating spaces that work well and look beautiful in our island environment. We can’t wait to bring these ideas to life, crafting unique interiors that are perfect for Cyprus’s sunny, vibrant lifestyle.